We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rico Anthony . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rico below.
Rico, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
The importance of social media and engagement on social sites. A lot of stock is given to high like counts on photos posted on the internet, as if this is the highest measure of success. Proper business moves and connections with the right people can often prove just as fruitful. I hide likes for all my posts and have the likes of everyone’s else’s posts hidden on my instagram account. The idea being that the quality of the art is a much more important indicator of success than the amount of people that see and like it. I have been hired for just as many jobs and messaged by just as many people as when I showed my like counts to the world. The added benefit is being exempt from the arms race that engagement can and often does turn into.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Photography is my passion in life, the one skill I was naturally blessed with and the practice that gives me the most personal satisfaction. I’m in love with the process. Getting the chance to meet new creatives, helping them realize their visions and even some of my own is a profound, almost spiritual, experience. I take my craft deadly serious, especially the artistic elements.
I initially began shooting photos on my phone shortly after graduating high school. A few friends and I had a passion for creating interesting scenes, even with no overarching project or intention beyond the act of creation. Over time we decided that we needed to level up the quality of our photos. Being that I was the only one with a job or any money saved, it was up to me to purchase a DSLR camera for the cause. I began learning the ropes and slowly receded from being the subject to being the shooter. the creative goals of my group began to separate from my own and I began shooting various amateurs from Facebook. This stage beget my love for portraiture and fine art. I haven’t looked back since.
When it comes to working with new clients the vision I offer is the aspect I care most deeply about. Bringing something from the development stage to the execution stage. Imagination and a knack for translating ideas. ’m constantly watching new films, reading new books and listening to new tunes that all have the potential to color and inspire my work. I nerd out extensively about art so my clients don’t have to. This is my secret recipe.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
persistence and consistency. You have to keep new content coming all the time. Not only creating new things but innovating and bettering yourself with your posts and content. Do not let yourself become discouraged by lack of initial interest. It will come. You must be patient and resilient. Showing support to your peers is another big thing that has pushed me forward on sites such as instagram. If you build good rapport with other creatives you can do no wrong. Although I don’t put a lot of stock into like counts the intentional usage of social media to attract potential clients and spread your art around is key.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Instagram and word of mouth have been the most successful platforms for pushing my art and finding new potential clients. Carrying yourself in business with a strong moral compass as well as accountability goes along way with ingratiating yourself with clients. I’m photography, excellent work is important but being reviewed as respectful, efficient and caring can be just as if not more so.
Contact Info:
- Website: obscuraeye.smugmug.com
- Instagram: ricoisevil
- Facebook: Rico Anthony